Rougerie, powerful and fast at either wing or centre, made his international bow in November 2001 against South Africa, scoring his first tries from the replacements' bench against Fiji two weeks later.

Rougerie enjoyed his best international season in 2003, playing a staggering 16 Tests and starting 15.

Rougerie has played at three Rugby World Cups, in 2003, 2007 and 2011. He fell out of favour with the French setup following the appointment of Marc Lievremont. Rougerie played four Tests in the 2008 Six Nations but disappeared from the international scene until his recall to the squad for the 2010 Six Nations. Rougerie was instrumental in their Grand Slam triumph and switched between the wing and the outside centre berth for the national side.

He kept his place throughout the 2011 Six Nations and went to the World Cup as part of the French 30-man squad. Rougerie took his place in the midfield for France's erratic campaign which ended in the final with defeat to New Zealand.

France's campaign was marred by in-fighting and below-par performances in New Zealand with Rougerie in the thick of the controversy. He walked out of a press conference as tensions with the media became fraught and was then accused of eye-gauging in the final against New Zealand. Images of Rougerie allegedly gauging an All Blacks player circulated the social media sites and New Zealand media, but no charges were brought against the Frenchman.

Rougerie kept his place in the France side under Philippe Saint-Andre and played a key role in their 2012 Six Nations campaign.

As skipper of Clermont Auvergne, Rougerie has experienced plenty of heartache. He has seen his side make three Top 14 finals without collecting top prize. However in 2010 he banished the ghosts as Clermont took the Top 14 final in emotional scenes.

In 2007, he successfully sued Wasps hooker Phil Greening for damage done to his throat with a hand-off during a pre-season game, with Wasps reacting angrily to a new precedent within the sport.